California Drivers Face Fines for Expired Registration

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

California drivers with expired vehicle registration could face hefty fines, even though a new state law limits when police can pull them over solely for that reason. The law, which took effect in 2024, prohibits officers from stopping a vehicle just for expired tags until the second month after the registration expires. However, late penalties from the DMV still apply immediately, and drivers can still be cited if pulled over for another violation.

Why it matters

This new law aims to reduce unnecessary traffic stops and citations, but it doesn't eliminate the financial penalties drivers face for letting their registration lapse. Expired registration can lead to hundreds of dollars in fines, so it's important for California drivers to stay on top of renewing their tags to avoid these costs.

The details

Under the new law, police generally cannot stop a vehicle solely for expired registration until the second month after the expiration date. For example, if your tags expired in January, an officer typically could not pull you over just for that reason until March. However, the DMV still imposes late penalties immediately after the expiration date, and drivers can still be cited for expired registration if they are stopped for another violation, such as speeding or a broken taillight. The base fine for 'no evidence of current registration' is $50, but with state and county assessments added, the total bail amount is typically $281.

• The new law took effect on July 1, 2024.
• The law is currently scheduled to remain in effect through January 1, 2030.

What’s next

Drivers with expired registration should renew as soon as possible to avoid additional penalties from the DMV. Those who receive a citation for expired tags may be able to get the ticket dismissed by providing proof of correction and paying a small administrative fee, depending on the court's policies.